Being able to lead a healthy and positive life is something that most of us wish we knew how to do consistently and effortlessly. But although we all seem to want it so that we could perhaps live longer, or be healthier or even just be happier in general, wanting it and actually having it is certainly two very different things.
In order to lead a happier and healthier existence, one must firstly desire change. This is something that must be honest, and come from within. This desire sometimes manifests itself as a type of general dissatisfaction to the life they are currently leading, or sometimes as a restlessness but can also sometimes come as a realization or awakening. Once this realization has been acknowledged, a person must then know which changes to incorporate into their routine so that they can achieve their goal. In order to do this, they must look at their daily routine and remark what exactly about it brings on negative effects, thoughts and behaviors. And finally, once they know what they want or need to change, they must then maintain their goal by consistently living according to the new standards they have set for themselves. All of this requires a lot of commitment as well as personal and mental strength, but by reading about the following guidelines, we could help you get on the right track to achieving a better, happier and healthier life.
1) Go from naughty to nice
Some bad habits are just plain old bad and should not be a part of our routine at all. We should, therefore, try to gradually eliminate such behaviors from our lives so that we can lead a happier, healthier existence. Such examples include, but are not limited to, drinking excessively, smoking regularly, eating way too much junk food, ignoring exercise or the need for it etc. The list can go on and on really, but what is most important is that you focus on the ones you find the most damaging or negative for you and work on cutting them out of your routine for good. This process may take some time, so start by taking baby steps. Remember to be easy on yourself and practice self-praise and kindness when you do make progress. Try to focus on the positive rather than the negative. In other words, do not direction your attention on how many days in the week you slipped up and didn’t go according to the goals you set for yourself, but rather congratulate yourself for the times you did succeed in incorporating the changes you desire.
2) Hello Doctor
Getting regular check-ups by paying visits to your doctor and dentist are very important when it comes to maintaining a good physical and oral health. Be sure to go for your yearly physical and for a regular dental exam twice yearly so that you can rest assured that everything is in top form.
3) Rest and relaxation
Lack of sleep can be extremely destructive and almost always negatively affects a person’s mental, physical and even spiritual health. For example, it can harm your metabolism, your mood, your motor skills, your hormones, as well as your concentration and memory, just to name a few. If you are suffering from light or more serious levels of insomnia, seek out solutions such as incorporating meditation into your routine, or soft exercises to relieve stress such as Yoga or Tai Chi to help you solve the problem. Also, be sure to speak with your doctor in order to widen your possibilities by discussing herbal and natural aids that may help, but remember to avoid taking prescription drugs as much as possible and only do so if it is absolutely necessary.
4) Get up and moving
Exercise is good for the body, mind and soul. Get up and get moving! Go for a brisk walk around the neighbourhood, opt to take your bicycle to the cinema instead of driving, go to your local gym, or swim a couple of laps in the lake near your home or at your local swimming pool. Almost all physical exercise will get your blood pumping, improve your heart health, make you feel more energized and have you desiring healthier foods. Basically, exercise is a guaranteed way of feeling happier and healthier almost instantly.
5) Eat right, feel right
As the saying goes, “We are what we eat.” Before stuffing yourself with all kinds of junk, be sure to weigh the pros and the cons of what you are about to consume. Yes, sometimes the “bad” foods are more delicious and appetizing, but that being said, they are also almost always worse for you. As a general rule, junk such as deep-fried, oily, greasy, starchy, sweet, spicy and highly processed foods will lead you to feeling tired, heavy, bloated and may even give you headaches and severe cramps. Instead of those options, rather choose healthier foods such as raw or steamed vegetables and lean proteins. Plus, don’t forget to increase your intake of fruits and natural beverages such as water or 100% fruit juices to feel healthier and more energized.
6) Everything in moderation
Whatever it is you do, do it in moderation. This is always a safe bet and will prevent you from feeling either discouraged or poorly after having over-indulged or behaved excessively. And remember, even a good thing can be damaging, such as exercise, if it is not controlled and done in moderation. Keeping a nice balance is the key to a healthier existence.
7) Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey
The wisest of people say to eat like a king in the morning, eat like a queen at noontime, and eat like a prince in the evening. And what they say is spot on. The breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it energizes you and gives you the nutrition your body needs to get you through the day. As you move into the afternoon, eat lighter meals to help you feel more energized in the day and help you sleep better at night.
Taking these simple steps and committing to them are sure ways to help you lead a better, happier and healthier life. And although it may seem like a lot to commit to in the beginning, you will soon find that your body will have adjusted to the new routine and that you are effortlessly incorporating all of these things into your daily life because they make you feel more energized and, well, simply amazing.
